Page 60 of Rockland

“None of that will change. You’ll still be protected; you won’t be privy to certain information for the sake of your safety. But you will be let in on the inner circle in most things business. Your advice sought on all financial decisions concerning the family. You still get to be a cherished woman. But a boss at the same time.”

“It’s a lot to take in. Everyone leaving. Your moving up. Me being the first woman in the hierarchy…” But as I say it, I realize it’s not nerves or doubt that’s churning my stomach.

It’s excitement.

I was born for this life. I was born for the Village. And I want to live my life working by Rockland’s side.

And so I say, “I accept.”

He smiles. Leans over the table and kisses me. Says, “Good girl. But before we get to work, we have one matter to discuss.” From his breast pocket he pulls the silver bullet. The one I’ve forgotten even existed. He twirls it in front of me and it flashes in the light. The T stares at me.

My brow knits in confusion. “Why—why would we need that?”

“Bronson’s orders.”

“What? Why? What have I done?” Heat creeps from the center of my chest to my face.

“Paige broke a pretty serious rule. And apparently some of the Beauties were in on it and didn’t say anything. She’s pregnant so he won’t spank her. But she’ll be wearing her little bullet to the goodbye party. And so will you. And every other Beauty in the Village. As a reminder of the hierarchy and the rules of the Brotherhood.”

“But that’s not fair—I’ve done nothing wrong!”

“Dear Tessie. You can always, always use a reminder of your submission to me. Especially with us working together in the near future.”

My eyes widen, taking in that… thing. My bottom hole clenches beneath me and I scoot my chair back to create some distance between me and the bullet. “We’re all going to be plugged during the party?”

“Not just the party. All day. Starting now. Oh, and seeing as the goodbye party now involves Bronson and Paige, it’s been moved from the Village to the Hamlet. You’ll have a nice long car ride to enjoy this little beauty.” He rises from his seat and I begin to panic. He says, “Don’t worry, I’ll be gentle.”

I’m up, out of my chair and running toward the back door in two seconds flat. I fling it open and as I run toward freedom, there’s a flash of purple to my right and then a bump. I’m on the ground with a squeal. When I gather myself and look to what I’ve run into, I’m greeted with a wild-eyed Mary.

“I hate the plug,” she says between gritted teeth. She looks to her right and left, ready to spring forward in whatever direction John is not. Before she can get up off the ground, there’s a huge hand lifting her up by her arm.

John speaks through clenched teeth. “Now, Mary. We’ve been over this before.”

“Just getting some fresh air, dear,” she says with a nervous laugh. Over her shoulder she throws me a look of apology. John makes a tsk-tsk noise as he escorts Mary toward their house.

I stand, contemplating my situation and brushing off the seat of my pants. Then I turn around and bump into something else. This time it’s the rock-solid wall of chest muscles that is Rockland.

My gaze rises to meet his and I swallow hard, my heart picking up a beat in my chest.

He’s furious.

“I, ah… just needed a little fresh air,” I say, stealing Mary’s line. I paste what I hope is a cute smile on my face and shrug innocently.

“Upstairs. Now. And there best not be a stitch of clothing on you when I get there.”

Damn.

Nerves twist in my stomach. Is there any way out of this? Obviously, Rockland does not have a soft spot in his heart for runaways.

“I’m sorry—I’ve just never had the plug before. I’m nervous.”

“You could have communicated that instead of running away. We could have talked it out before it happened.”

“Let’s do that now,” I beg. His hand is wrapped around my upper arm, tugging me back to the house.

“Too late. I went easy on you the first time you ran off on me. But then I was just taking my part in the hierarchy. Now we are in a relationship. You wear my sword around your neck. And you are going to find out what that means. Now not another word. Get yourself upstairs.”

Unconsciously, my hands go to my bottom, covering it as I walk. A ball of ice forms in my stomach. What will it be like to have that thing in my ass? What will he do to me in addition for running away? And—will I be able to sit down at this goodbye party?